Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism: A Popular Outline

The concept of imperialism lies at the heart of Marxist analysis and debate. This text offers a prescient analysis of a world shaken by competitive instability, war and crisis, dominated by monopolies, the merging of finance and industrial capital and fierce territorial competition. Originally published in 1916, it explains how colonialism and World War I were inherent features of the global development of the capitalist economy. The introduction to this edition contrasts Lenin’s approach with that adopted by contemporary theories of globalization. It argues that, while much has changed since Lenin wrote, his theoretical framework remains the best method for understanding recent global developments.